However, the four-time world champion did not dare to make a prediction at the presentation of the AMR22 on Thursday in Gaydon. “Right now I have no expectations. You look at the car but you don’t know what’s wrong and what’s right,” said Vettel. His new company car is again in the classic green of the British car manufacturer.
The extensive rule changes have significantly changed the exterior of the cars. “It has something futuristic,” Vettel emphasized in a media round, even before the huge Union Jack was pulled from the new model for the public with engine noise.
“Beautiful is what is fastest”
The 34-year-old German switched to Formula 1 returnee Aston Martin last season after being phased out by Ferrari, but ultimately only finished twelfth overall. Team boss Otmar Szafnauer left the racing team in the winter and was replaced by Mike Krack, whom Vettel knows from their BMW Sauber days. “He’s very ambitious, that can only do us good,” said Vettel.
As with the new Red Bull, which was presented on Wednesday, the simpler design of the front and rear wings and the mandatory larger tires and covers on the front wheels are striking. “I think our car looks good. But what’s fastest is always nice,” said Vettel and, like the team’s co-owner Lawrence Stroll, hopes for victories in the new year at best.
Vettel reacted with astonishment to the decision to abolish kneeling as a sign against racism. “They just changed it, I was a bit surprised,” said Vettel. The gesture was important. He now has hope in his colleagues to find a common way to “express the issues that are important to us.” Vettel suspected that the messages had probably become too strong and too individual for the Formula 1 business area.
Source: Nachrichten
